The Federal Trade Commission has finalized a rule requiring companies to make subscription cancellation as easy as sign-up. The regulation targets so-called dark patterns that make it deliberately difficult for consumers to end recurring charges.
Under the new rule, businesses must provide a simple cancellation mechanism that is accessible through the same medium used for enrollment. Companies that fail to comply face civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation.
Consumer protection attorneys expect a wave of enforcement actions in the coming months as the FTC establishes precedent under the new framework.
